By John Cole

But in fairness these fringe folk have little chance of discovering what life is really like the other side of the wall.

(11)They can look at the church NOTICE-BOARD, which they do mainly by reading between the lines: Is it up to date? Is it tidy? Does it preach or try to be ‘with it’?

(12) People on the fringe might buy the church MAGAZINE as a gesture of goodwill: but again impressions count for more than content.

(13) People moving into the area might hit the church WEB SITE as they find out about their new neighbourhood. What will it say to them?

(14) POSTERS, displays and special events will attract a small proportion. But what conclusions will they draw subconsciously from what they see and hear?

In these four ways fringe people can learn a little about the church, even less about Christians and perhaps just a tiny bit about Christ. But don’t despise these means of communication; many people have got nothing else.